"Bill, This Bill Singleton, son of Ruth McBrayer, Wands's Aunt. So sorry for your loss. The Shaver girls were my favorite cousins. Wish I had known earlier, I would have tried to be there for you. Wish you the best, Bill"
In loving memory of
Wanda Faye Shaver
August 2, 1945 - October 26, 2019
Wanda Williams, wife of WBIR Anchor Emeritus Bill Williams passed away October 26, 2019 after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 74 years old
Everyone loved Wanda. Because Wanda loved everyone. She was a lovely human being with a beauty that captured your heart with the sparkle of her bright blue eyes, the purity of her shy smile and her soft soothing voice. Everyone who knew Wanda knew she was a sweet, giving, loving soul who put everyone's wants and needs ahead of her own.
Wanda was born August 2, 1945 to Dan and Thelma Shaver of Knoxville. When she was just a toddler, the family moved to the Gibbs Community where Wanda would spend her formative years.
She often commented that she went in one end of Gibbs School as a first grader, and came out the other end a graduating high school senior.
Wanda attended the University of Tennessee, at the same time working for Retail Credit Corporation. She moved on to become an Executive Assistant at TVA, and then moving from there to the Tennessee Center for Research and Development and finally to the office of Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale.
Wanda was a protege of County Commissioner Mary Lou Horner, and with Mary Lou became very active in local Republican politics. Mary Lou introduced Wanda to Central Baptist Church of Fountain City and walked down the aisle with her in December 1977 when Wanda placed her membership in that church.
In April, 1983 Mary Lou had another introduction for Wanda. She introduced her to Bill Williams. After dating for a week, the two became engaged and were married July 23, 1983.
Apart from the responsibilities Wanda had at her place of employment, she felt her most important job was taking care of her family. She loved and carefully guided her children, and later said her grandchildren were the absolute joy of her life. Wanda loved big family dinners and was the consummate hostess at special holiday feasts.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her son Michael Williams; stepson, Mark Williams; and two sisters, Imogene Shelby and Shirley Carter; also a special Aunt Tennie Davis.
Survivors include her husband, Bill Williams; stepdaughter, Marcelene Edwards (David) of Phoenix, Arizona; daughter, Angelique Thomas (Wes); grandchildren Riley and Mallory Thomas; daughter-in-law, Crystal Williams Rosecrance (Matt, and their daughter Harper) and granddaughter, Billie Williams, all of Knoxville. Also survived by her sister Barbara Jurczak of Chattanooga; a very special brother-in-law Johnny Carter of Knoxville and many nieces and nephews.
Family will receive friends Monday, October 28, 2019 from 5:00pm-7:00pm with a 7:00pm service at Central Baptist Church Fountain City. The services will be conducted by Reverend Ron Mouser & Reverend Bob Robinson. Burial will be held Tuesday, October 29, 2019, 3:00pm at Lynnhurst Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Central Baptist Church of Fountain City, or the Mission of Hope.
Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Williams family and invites you to view and sign the online registry below.
Tributes
"I have Bill and family, friends in my prayers. Wanda was very special."
"So sorry to hear the loss of Wanda! She was a sweet lady! Prayers for the family! Love, JoAnn and Cheryl Henderlight"
"I extend my deepest sympathy in your loss. Wanda will be sorely missed. May the Lord comfort you."
"So sorry to learn of the passing of Wanda. She leaves a beautiful and loving legacy."
"We were sorry to hear about Wand,she was a nice person. Deepest sympathy is extended to life long friend Bill and the family. May God provide you with comfort, Leonard and Marylyn Ernsbarger Nevada, Missouri"
"We miss your darling wonderful spirit. You and your family have been a long standing icon in our community. We will miss you. Praying for the family."
"Condolences from The Free Medical Clinic of America, who honors Wanda as the love and wife of Bill and who both serve our Community with humility, caring and devotion. God Bless Wanda, and Bill. Wayne A. Kline Board Chair, Free Medical Clinic"
"Sincere condolences to the family ?"
"So berry sorry been friends over 50 years such a sweet lady"
"Sorry for your loss."
"So sorry for your loss. I know she will be greatly missed."
"GOD SPEED TO ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS! JUST A SUPER GAL."
"Wanda was a very loving lady, who always made her family first. I fondly remember her at Brickey supporting her granddaughters on virtually every occasion. Angela and I offer our most sincere condolences for the family and Bill. We also pray for peace and comfort during this difficult time. May our memories of Wanda be a blessing."
"I will never forget the kindness of Wanda when I worked for Knox county. She was always willing to help and offered kind words to any newcomer. I feel it was a blessing to have known her. She really was devoted to her family and loved her job. Bill and family, I can?t imagine how life will be without her but God knows your pain and He will comfort you. She has found her perfect peace."